The practice of employing an Android mobile device to facilitate a wireless network connection for another device, effectively serving as a bridge to the internet, involves enabling the tethering or hotspot functionality inherent in the Android operating system. This process allows devices lacking native Wi-Fi capabilities, or those experiencing connectivity issues, to access the internet through the Android device’s cellular data connection or existing Wi-Fi network. For instance, a desktop computer without a wireless card can gain internet access by connecting to a smartphone configured in this manner.
This functionality presents several advantages. It offers a convenient solution for situations where a dedicated Wi-Fi network is unavailable or unreliable. Furthermore, it can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a separate Wi-Fi adapter for devices. Historically, this method has gained popularity as mobile data plans have become more affordable and widespread, providing users with a readily available and portable internet connection option.